Optimisation of the preparation of chemotherapy based on 5-fluorouracil by the use of peristaltic pumps

Abstract

Preparation of 5-FU elastomeric pumps is a time-consuming activity inducing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Our unit has developed an automated filling system consisting of two peristaltic pumps (one for the diluent, one for the cytotoxic drug). The objective was to validate the accuracy of the assembly and evaluate the impact of automation on the compounding time, occurrence of MSDs and cost of preparation.

Keywords

• automation
• chemotherapies
• elastomeric pumps
• musculo-skeletal disorders
• peristaltic pumps